U.S. patent application number 10/177593 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-23 for portable crimping device for crimping fitting sockets.
Invention is credited to Huebner, Kenneth L., Lininger, Thomas B., Trace, Benjamin M..
Application Number | 20030196471 10/177593 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23158434 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030196471 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huebner, Kenneth L. ; et
al. |
October 23, 2003 |
Portable crimping device for crimping fitting sockets
Abstract
A portable, hand held, apparatus for crimping a hose fitting to
the end of a hose, including a unitary frame having four sides
surrounding an open middle section, wherein one of the sides is a
base with a receiving opening extending therethrough for housing
crimping componentry and another of the sides is a top portion for
attaching a cylinder, piston, and a pusher. The outer surface of
each of the remaining two sides has mounting holes for attaching a
power unit. The unitary frame includes a handle for manual lifting
purposes, and has multiple support surfaces enabling the crimping
apparatus to be variably positioned during the crimping process.
The unitary frame also includes blind mounting holes on three sides
for attaching various mounting brackets, thus enabling the
apparatus to be oriented in any desired angular position during the
noted crimping process.
Inventors: |
Huebner, Kenneth L.;
(Mantua, OH) ; Lininger, Thomas B.; (Mantua,
OH) ; Trace, Benjamin M.; (Mogadore, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Joseph J. Pophal
PARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATION
6035 Parkland Boulevard
Cleveland
OH
44124-4141
US
|
Family ID: |
23158434 |
Appl. No.: |
10/177593 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60300279 |
Jun 22, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
72/402 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B21D 39/048 20130101;
B25B 27/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
72/402 |
International
Class: |
B21J 007/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A portable apparatus for crimping a hose fitting to a hose,
comprising: a unitary frame having a longitudinal axis and four
sides surrounding an open middle section, wherein said four sides
are comprised of a base, located at one end of said middle open
section, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and having a
receiving opening longitudinally extending through said base; a top
portion, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, located at the
opposite end of said open middle section from said base; a first
side parallel with the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to said
base and said top portion; and a second side, parallel with said
first side, located at the opposite side of said open middle
section from said first side, said first and second sides serving
to interconnect said base and said top portion; a cylinder,
removably attached to an inner surface of said top portion, having
a piston which is movable longitudinally from a first position to a
second position within said cylinder; a pusher, removably attached
to said piston; a removable annular die bowl located within said
base receiving opening; an annular die separator, having a base
portion located adjacent to said die bowl and a series of angular
extensions protruding from said base portion, positioned within
said die bowl; an annular die segment assembly removably positioned
on top of said die separator, said die segment assembly including a
plurality of die segments which are radially movable relative to
said base receiving opening, said die segments having a generally
flat upper portion and an angular lower portion adapted to mate
with said angular extensions of said annular die separator; and an
annular die ring disposed between said pusher and said die segment
assembly.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the unitary frame has mounting
holes on at least one of the outer surfaces of said first and
second side for attaching a power unit.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said unitary frame includes a
handle located longitudinally outwardly of said top portion for
manual lifting purposes.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said handle is integral with
said unitary frame.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said unitary frame includes
multiple support surfaces enabling said longitudinal axis to be
angularly positioned either horizontally or vertically.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said base, said
first side and said second side of said unitary frame has a
generally flat outer surface.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said top portion, said first
side and said second side are comprised of essentially solid
surfaces.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said unitary frame includes
blind mounting holes for attaching at least one side and/or bottom
mounting plate.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said mounting holes are located
on the outer surface of at least one of said first and second
sides.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said mounting holes are
located on the outer surface of said base portion.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus can be oriented
in any angular position during the crimping of the hose fitting to
the hose.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said unitary frame can be
placed on one said first or second sides during the crimping of the
hose fitting to the hose.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the longitudinal axis of said
unitary frame is generally horizontally positioned during the
crimping of the hose fitting to the hose.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the longitudinal axis of said
unitary frame is generally vertically positioned during the
crimping of the hose fitting to the hose.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said unitary frame takes the
form of a light metal casing.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said unitary frame is formed
from a nonmetallic material.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said unitary frame is
comprised of an aluminum alloy casting.
18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pusher includes a cutting
mechanism, principally used for cutting the hose.
19. An apparatus for crimping a hose fitting to a hose, comprising:
a one-piece, four-sided, hollow, generally rectangular body having
a cavity, disposed within one side of said body, for receiving
crimping componentry; a removable cylinder, attached to the side of
said body opposite said cavity, having a piston movable within from
a first position to a second position; a die pusher, removably
attached to said piston; a removable annular die bowl located in
said cavity; an annular die separator having an upper portion
positioned within said die bowl; an annular die assembly having a
lower portion removably positioned on said upper portion of said
annular die separator, said die assembly having a plurality of
connected die segments which are movable radially of said cavity;
and an annular die ring positioned between said pusher and said die
assembly.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said one-piece rectangular
body includes an integral handle disposed longitudinally outwardly
thereof on the side of said body opposite said cavity.
21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said generally rectangular
body includes multiple outer support surfaces thus enabling the
longitudinal axis of said body to be angularly positioned either
horizontally or vertically during the crimping operation.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said multiple support
surfaces include mounting holes for attaching a side and/or bottom
mounting plate for further attachment to any mounting surface thus
enabling said apparatus to be oriented in any desired angular
position during the crimping of said hose fitting to said hose.
23. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the size and weight of said
apparatus are selected to make said apparatus readily portable and
capable of being hand-carried to remote locations by a human
operator.
24. A unitary housing for attaching and retaining componentry used
in the process of crimping a hose fitting onto an end of a hose,
said housing having a longitudinal axis and four sides surrounding
an open middle section, wherein said four sides are comprised of a
base, located at one end of said middle open section, perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis, and having a receiving opening
longitudinally extending through said base; a top portion,
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, located at the opposite end
of said open middle section from said base; a first side parallel
with the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to said base and said
top portion; and a second side, parallel with said first side,
located at the opposite side of said open middle section from said
first side, said first and second sides serving to interconnect
said base and said top portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of the filing
date of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/300,279; filed
Jun. 22, 2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus for crimping hose
fittings onto the ends of hoses, and more particularly to a
portable, preferably hand held, crimping device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Crimping machines or apparatuses are well known devices or
mechanisms used for permanently crimping the cylindrical socket of
a hose fitting onto the end of a hose. Initially, the cylindrical
socket of the hose fitting has an inner diameter slightly larger
than the outer diameter of the hose, thus allowing the hose to be
inserted into the cylindrical socket. The end of the hose and
fitting are inserted into the crimping machine that holds a
crimping die segment assembly. The die segment assembly is radially
contracted and compresses the socket onto the hose to a
predetermined diameter.
[0004] To accomplish this crimping operation, a typical crimping
machine is provided with a power source, such as a hydraulic pump,
that supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to a cylinder having a
movable piston disposed therein. When pressurized fluid is supplied
to the cylinder, the piston moves from a first position to a second
position. A die pusher is connected to the piston and moves with
the piston. During this movement, the die pusher comes in contact
with a die ring that rests on top of the radially aligned die
segment assembly. The die segment assembly is housed within a
tapered die bowl and the die segment assembly radially contracts as
it moves deeper into the die bowl. As the piston moves to the
second position, the die segment assembly travels into the tapered
die bowl, radially contracting, and crimps the fitting socket via
the permanent deformation thereof. Due to forces from the
transmission of hydraulic power, the longitudinal movement of the
piston and die pusher, and the radial contraction of the die
segment assembly, the structure of the crimping machine is
subjected to various stresses. Therefore this structure must be
rigid in order to withstand these stresses and produce a precise
crimp diameter.
[0005] Typically the structure for the crimping machine is
comprised of a lower base plate, an upper end plate and four column
rods interconnecting both plates. Examples of a crimping machine
with this structure are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,851,514 to Chen et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,055 to Phipps, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,006
to Stanley. As discussed previously, forces from the power
transmission and movement of the componentry can cause stresses to
the structure of the crimping machine. These stresses can adversely
affect the linkages between the plates and column rods, thus
creating fatigue failures.
[0006] Certain crimping machines are used in hose assembly
fabrication facilities and are permanently affixed to a flat
surface, such as a workbench, either in a horizontal or vertical
angular orientation. These types of machines are large, heavy, and
the weight is not evenly distributed. This may cause a top-heavy
machine to tip over during operation unless permanently affixed. An
example of this type of crimping machine, shown in U.S. Pat. No.
4,309,892 to Currie, has such a vertical orientation. Therefore,
this type of machine must be must be affixed to a support structure
and is not easily transported to different locations.
[0007] Portable crimping machines are used for those applications
where crimping cannot take place in a hose assembly fabrication
facility. These types of machines are typically lighter and smaller
than those permanently affixed. Portable crimping machines are
generally vertically oriented. A base, having a flat lower surface,
is provided for setting the machine on a flat horizontal surface.
Portable crimping machines typically have side walls or columns
that are removably attached to the top and bottom plates. Examples
of portable crimping machines with this design are shown in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,437,177 and 6,125,681, both to Orcutt et al. Like
permanently affixed crimping machines, forces from the power
transmission and movement of the componentry can also cause
stresses in the side walls and columns of portable crimping
machines, creating fatigue failures in the linkages.
[0008] Certain portable crimping devices provide handles for manual
lifting. Examples of crimping machines with this feature include
the above mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,437,177 and 6,125,681 to
Orcutt et al. Due to the size and weight of these types of crimping
devices, the portability thereof is quite limited.
[0009] Portable crimping machines of the variety previously
discussed have a structure that is likely to be damaged if the
machine is dropped or topples over. These machines can be top heavy
and unbalanced, lending themselves to tipping over. If this occurs,
the linkages between the side walls and plates can break, or the
structure becomes misaligned. Any misalignment will negatively
affect the precision of the crimping process and the reliability of
the crimping machine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a portable apparatus for
crimping a hose fitting onto the end of a hose. This invention
overcomes the obstacle of providing a crimping apparatus having a
housing comprised of more than one structural element. A crimper
housing with more than one structural element contains stress
points localized at the junctions of these elements. These
junctions are typically the failure points when crimper housings
are damaged due to excessive stresses and strains.
[0011] A feature of the present invention is to provide a hand
held, portable crimper comprising a unitary frame having a
longitudinal axis and four sides surrounding an open middle
section, one of the sides being a base, located at one end of the
middle open section, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and
having a receiving opening longitudinally extending through. A top
portion of the unitary frame, also perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis, is located at the opposite end of the open
middle section from the base. A first side, parallel with the
longitudinal axis, is perpendicular to and interconnects the base
and top portion. A second side, also parallel with the longitudinal
axis and perpendicular to the base and top portion, is located at
the opposite side of the open middle section from the first side
and also interconnects the base and top portion.
[0012] The portable crimper also includes componentry, such as a
cylinder, removably attached to an inner surface of the top
portion, and a piston that is movable longitudinally from a first
position to a second position within the cylinder. A pusher is
removably attached to the piston, and has a hollow end portion. A
removable annular die bowl is located within the receiving opening
in the base. An annular die separator, having a base portion
located adjacent to the die bowl and a series of angular extensions
protruding from the base portion, is positioned within the die
bowl. An annular die segment assembly is removably positioned on
top of the die separator and includes a plurality of die segments
which are radially movable relative to the base receiving opening.
The die segments have a generally flat upper portion and an angular
lower portion adapted to mate with the angular extensions of the
annular die separator. An annular die ring is disposed between the
pusher and the die segment assembly.
[0013] The unitary frame of the noted apparatus may further have
mounting holes on at least one of the outer surfaces of the first
and second side for attaching a power unit or for attaching a
mounting plate. The unitary frame may also have blind mounting
holes on the outer surface of the base portion for also attaching a
mounting plate. Another feature of the present invention includes
being able to orient the apparatus in any desired angular position
during the crimping of the hose fitting to the hose. The mounting
plates of the present invention also overcome the obstacle of
locating an available flat surface for resting the crimping
apparatus thereupon in order to support the abutting flat surface
of the crimping apparatus.
[0014] The unitary frame of the noted apparatus may also include a
handle, located longitudinally outward of the top portion, for
manual lifting purposes. The handle can be integral with the
unitary frame.
[0015] Another feature of the present invention includes having a
portable crimping apparatus as previously set forth, wherein the
unitary frame includes multiple support surfaces enabling the
longitudinal axis to be angularly positioned either horizontally or
vertically during the crimping of the hose fitting to the hose. The
base, first side and second side of the unitary frame may further
have a generally flat outer surface so that the noted apparatus can
he placed on either the base, first side or second side during the
crimping of the hose fitting to the hose.
[0016] A further attribute of the present invention includes having
a portable crimping apparatus as previously set forth, wherein the
first and second side of the unitary frame are comprised of solid,
essentially unapertured surfaces.
[0017] Another feature of the present invention includes having the
unitary frame of the crimping apparatus preferably taking the form
of a light metal casing. The unitary frame may be formed from a
non-metallic material, or it may be comprised of a casting of a
light metal alloy, such as of aluminum.
[0018] Still, another attribute of the present invention includes
having a portable crimping apparatus, as previously set forth,
wherein the pusher includes a mechanism for cutting hose.
[0019] Another feature of the present invention includes having the
size and weight selected in order to make the apparatus readily
portable and capable of being hand-carried to remote locations by a
human operator.
[0020] Further features of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the following
specification and attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a front, elevational view of a portable crimping
device in accordance with the invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a crimper housing
in accordance with the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the crimper housing.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a front, cross-sectional view of the crimper
housing, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0025] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the portable crimping device,
including the crimper housing, cylinder, piston, die pusher,
crimping componentry, hydraulic pump, handle, and conduit.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a front, cross-sectional view of the symmetrical
piston.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a top, perspective view illustrating the die
pusher.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a frontal view of the symmetrical, circular die
segment assembly shown in a closed position when contracted in the
die bowl.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the die segment assembly, removed
from the die bowl shown in an unrolled formation.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a side mounting plate
[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a base mounting plate used
for affixing the crimper housing to a flat surface.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
base mounting plate.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a side view showing the die segment assembly in a
contracted position, removed from the crimper housing;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the hose and hose
fitting of a typical hose assembly.
[0035] FIG. 15 is a side view of the die pusher frontal opening,
showing a further embodiment having a hose cutting mechanism
(partially shown in dotted lines) removably attached to the die
pusher.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a portable and
preferably hand held crimping device, indicated generally at 10,
for crimping fitting sockets onto hydraulic hose ends. The portable
(hand held) crimping device 10 includes a one-piece crimper housing
20, a hydraulic cylinder 40, a spring-loaded piston 45 movably
situated inside the hydraulic cylinder 40, a removable die pusher
50, and an attachable manually operated hydraulic pump 60. The
portable crimping device 10 is utilized for permanently attach a
fitting 95 onto the end of a hose 97, as shown in FIG. 14 in a
manner well known in the art.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, crimper housing 20 is comprised of a
one-piece, generally die-cast construction, preferably made of
aluminum or a similar light weight material, having four sides that
surround a central opening 25. In the alternative, crimper housing
20 can be made of a non-metallic material, preferably filled or
unfilled thermoplastic and thermoset plastics, or a similar
material. These four sides of crimper housing 20 include an
apertured base portion 21, a solid upper portion 22, a solid first
side 23, and a solid second side 24. Base portion 21 includes a
cylindrical cavity 29 centrally aligned with the longitudinal axis
of crimper housing 20. Cavity 29 extends from an upper surface 30
to a flat, lower surface 31 of base portion 21. Central aperture 27
(as shown in FIG. 4) provided in surface 30, and aperture 28 (as
shown in FIG. 3) provided on base portion lower surface 31, define
the outer periphery and the longitudinal extent of cavity 29.
Apertures 38 are provided in base portion lower surface 31 for
receiving fasteners (not shown) for affixing a base mounting plate
such as 110, 114, and 118 (discussed below) thereto. Located on the
opposite side of central opening 25 from base portion 21 is upper
portion 22. Upper portion 22 includes at least one aperture 32 (as
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) in the surface adjacent central opening 25
for receiving fasteners in order to affix a hydraulic cylinder 40,
to be discussed below.
[0038] First side 23 and second side 24 of crimper housing 20 are
both parallel to the longitudinal axis of crimper housing 20. The
outer surfaces of both sides 23 and 24 are generally flat and
contain one or more apertures 34, or mounting holes, for receiving
fasteners (not shown) for affixing hydraulic pump 60 (as shown in
FIG. 5), or for affixing a side mounting plate 110 (discussed
below) thereto. Hydraulic pump 60 can be affixed to either of sides
23 or 24, depending on the user's preference.
[0039] A carrying handle 36 is provided on the opposite side of
upper portion 22 from central opening 25. Handle 36 extends
laterally from first side 23 to second side 24. Handle 36 enables
the user to conveniently grasp, handle and thereby transport
crimping device 10 to any location where the crimping of a hose
assembly is required.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 5, the componentry of hand-held crimping
device 10 is shown in an exploded fashion. Hydraulic cylinder 40
includes at least one aperture 41 on its upper surface that is
capable of being aligned with the at least one aperture 32 in upper
portion 22 of crimper housing 20 (as shown in FIG. 4). Cylinder 40
thus can be attached to crimper housing 20 via the use of a
connecting fastener, not shown, into these aligned apertures. As
best seen in FIG. 6, piston 45 has a cylindrical outer surface 46
that merges into a bottom portion 47. The outer diameter of piston
45 is dimensioned for a fluid tight movable relationship with the
inside diameter of cylinder 40. Extending from the center of piston
bottom portion 47 is a removable knob extension 48 having an
outwardly directed shoulder 49 protruding from the knob periphery.
If desired, knob extension 48 may be integral with piston bottom
portion 47 in the manner shown in FIG. 6.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 7, die pusher 50 consists of a generally
cylindrical hollow member having a frontal opening 51 in the
forward peripheral portion thereof. Die pusher 50 includes a top
portion 55, with a slot 52 that extends from the frontal face to
the central axis, and a flat lower edge 54. A recess 53 in slot 52
is provided in order to receive shoulder 49 of piston knob
extension 48. Threaded aperture 56 extends through top portion 55
and is dimensioned so that a detent 58 (as shown in FIG. 5) can be
received within. Detent 58 ensures that die pusher 50 does not
shift when die pusher's 50 central axis is aligned with knob
48.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, base portion 21 of crimper
housing 20 has a counterbore 33 or radial recess machined in the
inner surface thereof adjacent to central aperture 28. Retaining
ring 65 is adapted to fit within counterbore 33. A spring 66 rests
on top of and its lower end is held in place by retaining ring 65.
A die separator 67 is situated on top of spring 66 and consists of
a tubular portion 68 integral with a generally flat, elongated
mounting portion 69 that rests on top of spring 66. Die separator
67 is preferably a one-piece structure formed of a rigid plastic
material. The upper edge of tubular portion 68 is comprised of a
series of intersecting angled surfaces 70 forming generally
triangular shaped, axially extending, projections for support of a
die segment assembly 80, shown in FIG. 8, which will be discussed
below.
[0043] A die bowl 72 is located on top of an inwardly directed
annular ridge 35 (FIG. 4) that protrudes into cavity 29 along the
entire circumference of the inner surface of base portion 21. Die
bowl 72 has a cylindrical outer surface and a tapered interior
surface (not shown). The taper of the interior surface is
substantially equal to that of the outer surface 81 of die segment
assembly 80, as shown in FIG. 8. Angled surfaces 70 of die
separator 67 project into the inside of die bowl 72. The top
surface of elongated die separator mounting portion 69 contacts a
lower surface 74 of die bowl 72. The top peripheral surface 73 of
die bowl 72 receives a lower annular surface (not shown) of a die
ring 75. Die ring 75 has generally flat annular upper and lower
surfaces. The inner diameter of die ring 75 is dimensioned such
that a hose fitting with an angled end can fit therethrough. As is
well known in the art, the height of die ring 75 varies depending
on the desired crimp diameter of the fitting.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, die segment assembly 80 consists
of a plurality of generally interconnected identical individual
contoured die segments 84. Die segment assemblies 84 are used with
mating componentry (e.g. die separator 67) to crimp a specific
style of hose fitting. A typical die segment assembly will change
depending on the size of the fitting, but the same mating
componentry could be used for all sizes of a similar style of hose
fittings. An example of a commercially available die segment
assembly is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,309,892 to Currie, which is
assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
[0045] Each die segment 84 generally consists of a block of cast
steel in a generally pie-shaped configuration. Die segment 84 has a
generally flat top portion 86, a pair of flat angled sides 87, an
inner curved surface 88 generally conforming, when assembled, to
the shape of the hose fitting 95 (as shown in FIG. 14) to be
assembled to the hose 97, and a vee-shaped bottom portion 89 angled
generally to fit into the receiving angled surfaces 70 (as shown in
FIG. 5) of die separator 67. Radial outer surface 81 consists of an
upper cylindrical portion 82 and a lower conical portion 83. Lower
conical portion 83 is tapered in a manner to match the taper of the
interior surface of die bowl 72.
[0046] Each die segment 84 is connected to an adjacent die segment
84 by means of an intermediate rigid link 91. When die segment
assembly 80 is in its closed or working position, as is best seen
in FIG. 8, the two then-adjacent end die segments 84a, 84b are not
linked together, as is best seen in FIG. 9, and thus form the first
die segment 84a and the last die segment 84b, with intermediate die
segments 84 therebetween together forming die segment assembly 80
in a manner well known in the prior art.
[0047] Referring again to FIG. 5, hydraulic pump 60 can be attached
to crimper housing 20 on the outer surface of either first side 23
or second side 24. Apertures on two pump mounting plates 62 align
with apertures 34 on first 23 or second side 24 for attachment
purposes. Hydraulic pump 60 includes a fluid reservoir located
within a cylinder 61. Cylinder 61 contains a movable piston (not
shown) which can be moved when an attached handle 63 is manually
pivoted relative to cylinder 61. Movement of the piston within
cylinder 61 creates a pressurized fluid flow from the fluid
reservoir to a conduit 90 that links hydraulic pump 60 to hydraulic
cylinder 40. A pressure relief knob 64 is supplied at one end of
cylinder 61 in order to relieve the built-up pressure with cylinder
61.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, mounting plates, 110, 118
and 114, respectively, are provided for attachment to crimper
housing 20. As shown in FIG. 10, side mounting plate 110 has four
apertures or cutouts 111 that align with apertures 34 on one of
crimper housing sides 23 or 24 (as shown in FIG. 4). Fasteners (not
shown) are received in both sets of apertures, 111 and 34, for
affixing side mounting plate 110 to crimper housing 20. Apertures
34 are also used for attaching hydraulic pump mounting plate 62,
so, for example, if hydraulic pump 60 is attached to crimper
housing first side 23, then side mounting plate 110 can be attached
to crimper housing second side 24. Side mounting plate 110 has an
intermediate lateral extension 112 that extends outwardly from
crimper housing 20. As will be discussed in greater detail below, a
user of portable crimping device 10 can use a fastening mechanism,
such as a vise, for example, (not shown) to clamp mounting plate
extension 112 during the crimping process.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 11, base mounting plate 118 is designed for
attachment of crimper housing 20 to another, preferably flat,
object, for example a horizontal table (not shown). Base mounting
plate has a first portion 119 that can be attached to the base
portion lower surface 31 and a second portion 120 that can be
attached to another object. First portion 119 has a set of
apertures 121 that align with crimper housing base portion
apertures 38 (as shown in FIG. 3). Fasteners (not shown) are used
to affix base mounting plate 118 onto base portion lower surface
31. Second portion 120 has a set of apertures 122 that receive
fasteners that affix second portion 120 to another object, for
example a horizontal table. First portion 119 further has an inner
edge 123 that is aligned with central aperture 28 on base portion
lower surface 31.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 12, base mounting plate 114 is also
designed for attachment onto base portion lower surface 31. Base
mounting plate 114 has a set of apertures 115 that align with
apertures 38 (as shown in FIG. 3). Fasteners (not shown) are used
to affix base mounting plate 114 onto base portion lower surface
31. An angled extension 116 extends from plate 114 at any
predetermined angle. Base mounting plate 114 has an inner edge 117
that is aligned with central aperture 28 on base portion lower
surface 31. A user of portable crimping device 10 can use any
desired fastening mechanism, such as, a vise, for example, (not
shown) to clamp extension 112 during the crimping process.
[0051] The operation of the portable, and preferably, hand held
crimping device 10 will now be described. With all of the
componentry (as shown in FIG. 5) and die segment assembly 80 (as
shown in FIG. 8) assembled within crimper housing 20, portable
crimping device 10 is ready to crimp a hose fitting. Referring to
FIGS. 4, 5 and 13, a precrimped hose assembly, consisting of a hose
fitting 95 and a hose 97 (FIG. 14) is inserted into base portion
cavity 29 of portable crimping device 10 through the lower surface
31. Since die pusher 50 is not yet in contact with die ring 75, die
segment assembly 80 is in a relaxed at-rest position and the
precrimped hose assembly will fit through the center of die segment
assembly 80.
[0052] The fabricator of the hose assembly will repeatedly pivot
handle 63 relative to cylinder 61, thereby building up pressure
within cylinder 61 and conduit 90. This pressure will cause
movement of spring-loaded piston 45 within cylinder 40. Piston 45,
and attached die pusher 50, move longitudinally and die pusher
lower edge 54 contacts the upper annular surface of die ring 75,
causing the latter to also move longitudinally. Die ring 75,
resting on top of die segment assembly 80, forces die segment
assembly 80 into the tapered interior of die bowl 72. Die segment
assembly 80 constricts radially inwardly and die segment inner
cylindrical surface 88 engages and compresses fitting 95 onto hose
97 until the lower surface of die ring 75 bottoms out on die bowl
72. The inward radial compression of fitting 95 produces a
predetermined desired crimp diameter. The height of die ring 75
determines the longitudinal distance that piston 45, die pusher 50,
and die ring 75 travels. The greater the height of die ring 75, the
shorter the travel distance. The greater the travel distance, the
further die segment assembly 80 will travel within tapered die bowl
72. The greater the longitudinal travel distance of die segment
assembly 80, the more it will be radially inwardly compressed.
[0053] During the crimping process, forces from the radial
contraction of die segment assembly 80, and opposing forces from
the crimping of the hose fitting cause stresses within integral
crimper housing 20. Due to the one-piece, unitary construction of
crimper housing 20, these forces are distributed throughout the
four sides. Since the four sides are not fastened to each other in
the columnar construction of the prior art, stresses are not
localized in any specific area, e.g. a link between the side wall
and base, thus preventing any stress damage to crimper housing
20.
[0054] After the crimping operation has been completed, piston 45
typically needs to be fully retracted in order to remove the
crimped hose assembly, die segment assembly 80, die separator 67,
or die bowl 72. A full retraction is needed since the available
space inside central opening (as shown in FIG. 2) is limited, and
die pusher 50 must be fully displaced from die ring 75 in order to
remove the above mentioned componentry. When retracting piston 45,
attached die pusher 50 loses contact with the upper annular surface
of die ring 75. This allows die segment assembly 80 to open up
diametrically, thus providing room for the crimped hose and fitting
assembly to be removed. Retraction of piston 45 is achieved by
actuating pressure relief knob 64, thus relieving pressure from
hydraulic pump 60. Since piston 45 is spring loaded it retracts
within hydraulic cylinder 40 proportionally to the amount of
pressure being relieved from hydraulic pump 60. A full retraction
of piston 45, which may take a significant amount of time
especially during multiple crimping operations, can be avoided with
the present invention. Since die pusher 50 is removable from piston
45, only a slight retraction of piston 45 is needed in order to
remove the above mentioned componentry. Instead of a full
retraction, piston 45 can be slightly retracted to the location
where die pusher 50 is no longer in immediate contact with die ring
75. At this location, die pusher 50 can slide off knob 48, as best
shown in FIG. 6, and space is then provided inside central opening
25 in order to remove the componentry. With this abbreviated
retraction of piston 45 and subsequent removal of die pusher 50,
assembly cycle time is significantly reduced.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, during the crimping operation,
the longitudinal axis of portable crimping device 10 can be
oriented either horizontally or vertically. The flat lower surface
31 of crimper housing 20 allows portable crimping device 10 to be
positioned vertical with lower surface 31 resting on another
horizontal, flat surface (e.g. a worktable). The flat outer
surfaces of first and second sides, 23 and 24, allow portable
crimping device 10 to be positioned with its longitudinal axis in a
horizontal position during the crimping operation. Depending on
which side of crimper housing 20 hydraulic pump 60 is affixed, the
opposite side can rest on another horizontal, flat surface. Since,
as noted, die pusher 50 does not have to fully retract, the close
proximity of die pusher 50 to die ring 75 will prevent the crimper
componentry, i.e. die ring 75, die segment assembly 80, and die
separator 67, from shifting or falling out of cavity 29. The outer,
flat surfaces of apertured base portion 21, first solid side 23,
and second solid side 24 gives the operator much flexibility on any
flat surface without compromising the crimping accuracy.
[0056] Likewise, the use of mounting plates, 110, 114, and 118, as
shown in FIGS. 10-12, provide the operator with even greater
crimping flexibility. Base mounting plate 118 allows the operator
to affix portable crimping device to any flat surface in any
orientation. For example, with first portion 119 attached to base
portion lower surface 31, second portion 120 can be attached to an
edge of a flat, horizontal table. In this arrangement, the
longitudinal axis of portable crimping device 10 would be
substantially vertical, with the lower surface 31 of base portion
21 hanging off the table. This arrangement would allow the operator
accessibility to the lower surface of cavity 29 in base portion 21
in order to insert and remove the hose assembly. In another
arrangement, second portion 120 could be attached to a vertical
wall, positioning the longitudinal axis of portable crimping device
10 in a horizontal orientation. Due to its light weight and compact
design, portable crimping device 10 can be rigidly held in this
position. As mentioned above, since die pusher 50 does not have to
be fully retracted, it will contain the crimper componentry when
portable crimping device is in this orientation.
[0057] Side mounting plate 110 allows the operator to perform the
crimping operation when a flat surface is not available. Side
mounting plate 110 can be affixed to the outer surface of either
the first or second sides 23, 24 of crimper housing 20. As
previously mentioned, side mounting plate apertures 111 align with
crimper housing apertures 34 and fasteners are used to affix side
mounting plate 110 to crimper housing 20. When attached,
intermediate extension 112 protracts from crimper housing 20. As
previously noted, the crimper operator can use an attachment
device, for example, a vise (not shown), for securing portable
crimping device 10 so that crimping device 10 is stabilized during
the crimping operation. For example, a hose assembly may fail in
operation and a replacement assembly may have to be fabricated at
the location of use. Many times this location will not have a flat
surface for locating the portable crimping device 10. Thus the
operator can attach a vise to any available non-flat surface, and
then secure intermediate extension 112 in the vise. Since portable
crimping device 10 can be utilized in any orientation, a hose
assembly can be properly crimped even when a flat surface is not
available.
[0058] Like the previously noted side mounting plate 110, base
mounting plate 114 can also be used when a flat surface is not
available. Base mounting plate 114 is mounted on base portion lower
surface 31 similar to base mounting plate 118 and provides the same
flexibility as side mounting plate 110. Angled extension 116
protracts from crimper housing 20 when attached, and an operator
can use a vise as previously detailed in order to stabilize
portable crimping device 10 so that crimping operations can be
performed.
[0059] As noted above, portable crimping device 10 can be utilized
not only as a workplace-mounted unit, but also in the field, for
example on a piece of machinery, where a flat mounting surface is
unavailable. Portable crimping device 10 can also be operated in
any angular orientation. Thus, regardless of the location for the
replacement hose assembly, portable crimping device 10 can be used.
Also, due to its compact size and light weight, 37 lbs. with added
componentry, crimping device 10 can be transported to locations
where typical portable crimping machines could not. An example of
such a location is a truck boom. Typically the boom of a truck is
hydraulically or pneumatically operated. Hose assemblies are used
as conduits for the required pressurized fluid. These assemblies
are typically drawn through orifices smaller in diameter than those
of the hose fittings. Therefore, the crimping of the hose fitting
must take place at the port location of the fitting attachment.
When a hose assembly on the truck boom fails, the operator can hand
carry portable crimping device 10 up a ladder to the hose assembly
location, secure an attachment device to the boom and affix
crimping device 10 thereto, with a mounting plate, if required, and
operate portable crimping device 10 at that specific location and
any angular orientation.
[0060] As previously noted, crimper housing 20 is compact,
preferably having the following approximate dimensions: 15" height,
7" width and 6" depth. Due to this compact, one-piece or unitary
design of crimper housing 20, the center of gravity thereof is low
enough to provide an even balance to the portable crimping device
10 when the additional componentry, e.g. cylinder 40, piston 45,
die bowl 72, etc., is attached. Therefore it is unlikely that
portable crimping device 10 will tip over during operation. In the
event that portable crimping device 10 is dropped, the compact,
durable unitary housing 20 can withstand forces that would
typically damage a prior art columnar portable crimper. Crimper
housing 20 is not subject to misalignment from the external forces
and, due to its one-piece unitary construction, there are no
linkages, or columns in housing 20 that can act as stress/strain
fracture points from such external forces.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 15, a second embodiment is shown wherein
the die pusher 150 has a removable cutting mechanism 157,
preferably made of a hardened tool steel, attached thereto. Die
pusher 150 takes the same general form as that previously described
in FIG. 7, except that the side opposite opening 51 has two
apertures, 161 and 162. Aperture 161 is generally circular in shape
and has a larger diameter than aperture 162. Cutting mechanism 157
is slidably attached to die pusher 150 with a fastener, not shown,
which fits through a slot 158 provided within cutting mechanism 157
and is radially retained in aperture 162. Cutting mechanism 157 has
a sharp cutting edge 159 at its top portion and a bottom portion
160 that extends below die pusher 150. Cutting mechanism 157 may be
spring loaded (spring not shown per se), and while in its relaxed
position, bottom portion 160 protrudes below the lowest portion of
die pusher 150 at least the distance of the diameter of aperture
161, and cutting edge 159 is positioned just below the bottom
portion of aperture 161.
[0062] During the cutting operation, the hose is positioned through
aperture 161 so that the prescribed cutting length location,
normally indicated by an indicia mark on the hose, is coplanar with
cutting edge 159. In the same manner as described above (and shown
in FIG. 5), the fabricator of the hose assembly will repeatedly
pivot handle 63 relative to cylinder 61, thereby building up
pressure within cylinder 61 and conduit 90. This pressure will
cause movement of spring-loaded piston 45 within cylinder 40.
Piston 45, attached die pusher 50, and attached cutting mechanism
157 move longitudinally and cutting mechanism bottom portion 160
contacts the upper annular surface of die ring 75. Cutting
mechanism 157 is guided by the fastener, not shown, within slot 158
and moves upwardly until the bottom portion of slot 158 comes in
contact with the fastener. During this movement, cutting edge 159
comes in contact with and thereafter severs the hose placed through
aperture 161.
[0063] Cutting mechanism 157 is particularly useful when an
operator needs to cut a hose at the job site. Typically a hose
would have to transported to a fabrication site when a cutting tool
is used to cut the hose at a prescribed length. With cutting
mechanism 157, a hose can be cut at the job location, thus saving
time and expense.
[0064] The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation
of the present invention have been described in the foregoing
specification. The invention which is intended to be protected
herein should not, however, be construed as limited to the
particular form described as it is to be regarded as illustrative
rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by
those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *